Health insurance in UAE for expats is not an option. It is the law. Every expat who lives and works in the UAE must hold a valid health insurance policy, and the employer must pay for the basic cover of each worker. This guide explains the rules in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE, the cost of a plan, how to buy cover, how to claim, and what happens when a person has no cover at all.
The rules change by emirate. Dubai runs its own scheme under the Dubai Health Authority, known as DHA. Abu Dhabi runs its own scheme under the Department of Health, known as DoH. The federal government runs the MOHRE Basic Health Insurance Scheme for private sector workers and domestic workers. The cost of a plan depends on the age of the person, the level of cover, and the network of hospitals in the plan.
Read this guide from start to finish if you are new to the UAE. If you already live here, go straight to the section that matches your question, and use the tables to compare the cost of a basic plan with the cost of an enhanced plan. The figures in this guide are typical ranges for 2026 and 2027, based on data from DHA, DoH, MOHRE, and UAE insurers.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory in the UAE for Expats?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for every expat who lives in the UAE. The rule applies to workers, to their families, and to domestic workers. A person cannot get a new residence visa or renew an old visa without a valid health insurance policy. The sponsor of a visa must show proof of cover before the visa is issued.
The employer pays for the basic health insurance of each worker. The sponsor pays for the health insurance of each dependent, such as a spouse, a child, or a parent. A person who works for a free zone company, a government body, or a private company has the same duty to hold cover. A visitor does not need UAE health insurance, but a travel policy is wise for a short stay.
The law exists because a hospital visit without insurance can cost several thousand dirhams. A single night in a hospital can cost more than a year of basic cover. The mandatory rule protects the worker, the family, and the health system, and it keeps a medical bill from becoming a debt.
- Every expat worker in the private sector
- Every dependent of an expat, such as a spouse and children
- Every domestic worker, such as a maid, a driver, and a nanny
- Every expat who renews a residence visa
- Every new arrival who applies for a first residence visa
Health cover starts on the day the visa is issued. Buy cover at once and do not wait. The employer should add a new worker to the group plan in the first days of work, and the sponsor should insure each dependent at the same time.
Dubai Health Insurance Rules: DHA and the Essential Benefits Plan
Dubai runs its own health insurance scheme under the Dubai Health Authority, known as DHA. Health Insurance Law No. 11 of 2013 makes cover mandatory for every person who lives in Dubai. The employer must insure each worker, and the sponsor must insure each dependent. DHA checks the cover when a visa is issued or renewed, and a visa cannot move forward without a valid policy.
The Essential Benefits Plan, known as EBP, is the basic plan for Dubai. It covers inpatient care, outpatient care, emergency care, and maternity care at a basic level. The plan sets an annual limit and a network of hospitals and clinics, and the patient pays a co-payment for some services. EBP is the floor, not the ceiling, and it gives a worker basic cover at a low cost.
A worker on a higher salary, or a family that wants wider cover, can buy an enhanced plan. An enhanced plan adds a larger hospital network, a higher annual limit, and extra cover such as dental and optical care. The employer can buy the enhanced plan for the worker, or the worker can buy an extra top-up plan. The table below shows the typical cost of cover in Dubai.
| Who it covers | Plan | Typical cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| Worker on a low salary | EBP | AED 650 to AED 675 |
| Dependent | EBP | AED 805 |
| Worker on a higher salary | Enhanced plan | AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 |
| Family of four | Enhanced family plan | From AED 18,000 |
Check the plan details before you buy. The price changes with age, and a plan for an older worker costs more than a plan for a young worker. Ask the insurer for the full list of hospitals in the network and the co-payment for each service, and keep a copy of the policy card.
Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Rules: DoH, Thiqa and Daman
Abu Dhabi makes health insurance mandatory under Law No. 23 of 2005, and the Department of Health, known as DoH, regulates the rules. The employer must insure each worker, and the sponsor must insure each dependent. DoH checks the cover when a visa is issued or renewed, and a visa cannot move forward without a valid policy.
Thiqa is the government health plan for UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi. It gives UAE nationals wide cover at government hospitals and clinics. Expats do not use Thiqa, and the employer must buy a plan from a private insurer for each expat worker. Daman, the National Health Insurance Company, is the largest insurer in Abu Dhabi and runs many of the plans for workers and families.
The basic plan in Abu Dhabi covers inpatient care, outpatient care, emergency care, and maternity care at a basic level. The plan sets an annual limit and a network of hospitals and clinics, and the patient pays a co-payment for some services. An enhanced plan adds a larger network, a higher limit, and extra cover such as dental and optical care. Ask the insurer for the full list of hospitals in the network before you buy.
The MOHRE Basic Health Insurance Scheme
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, known as MOHRE, runs a basic health insurance scheme for private sector workers and domestic workers across the UAE. The scheme costs AED 320 a year. It gives a worker basic cover at a low price, and it meets the legal rule for health insurance. The scheme is mandatory for private sector employers.
The MOHRE scheme covers inpatient care, outpatient care, emergency care, and maternity care at a basic level. Inpatient care has a 20 percent co-payment paid by the insured, up to AED 500. The plan sets an annual limit and a network of hospitals and clinics, and the patient pays a co-payment for some services. The employer pays the premium for each worker, and the sponsor pays the premium for each domestic worker.
The scheme covers workers on a low salary and domestic workers such as maids, drivers, and nannies. A worker who wants wider cover can buy an enhanced plan from a private insurer, or the employer can buy a top-up plan. Ask the insurer for the full list of hospitals inthe network and the co-payment for each service before you buy.
Basic vs Enhanced Health Insurance Plans in the UAE
A basic plan covers the care that most people need most of the time. It covers inpatient care, outpatient care, emergency care, and maternity care at a basic level. The plan sets an annual limit and a network of hospitals and clinics, and the patient pays a co-payment for some services. A basic plan suits a young, healthy worker who wants cover that meets the law at a low cost.
An enhanced plan costs more, and it gives wider cover. It adds a larger hospital network, a higher annual limit, and extra cover such as dental and optical care. It can cover a spouse and children in one family plan, and it can cover treatment outside the UAE. A family, or a worker with a health condition, often needs an enhanced plan.
| Feature | Basic plan | Enhanced plan |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per year | AED 320 to AED 1,500 | AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 |
| Annual limit | Low | High |
| Hospital network | Basic network | Wide network |
| Inpatient care | Covered at a basic level | Covered at a higher level |
| Outpatient care | Covered at a basic level | Covered at a higher level |
| Dental and optical | Often not covered | Often covered |
| Maternity | Covered at a basic level | Covered at a higher level |
| Pre-existing conditions | Covered after a waiting period | Often covered from day one on a group plan |
Use the table above to compare plans side by side. A basic plan meets the law at a low cost, and an enhanced plan gives wider cover for a higher price. Match the plan to the age, health, and family size of each person, and ask the insurer for a written quote before you buy.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in the UAE for Expats?
The cost of health insurance in the UAE for expats changes with the plan, the age of the person, and the emirate. A basic plan for one person costs about AED 500 to AED 1,500 a year. The MOHRE basic scheme costs AED 320 a year, and the Dubai Essential Benefits Plan costs about AED 650 to AED 805 a year. These figures are typical ranges, and the exact price depends on the insurer and the age of the person.
A mid-range plan costs about AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 a year, and an enhanced plan costs about AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 a year. A comprehensive plan for a family of four costs from about AED 18,000 a year. The price rises with age, and a plan for an older person costs more than a plan for a young person. The table below shows the typical cost of each plan.
| Plan | Typical cost per year |
|---|---|
| MOHRE basic scheme | AED 320 |
| Basic plan for one person | AED 500 to AED 1,500 |
| DHA Essential Benefits Plan | AED 650 to AED 805 |
| Mid-range plan | AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 |
| Enhanced plan | AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 |
| Family of four, comprehensive | From AED 18,000 |
Ask at least two insurers for a written quote before you buy. Compare the annual limit, the hospital network, and the co-payment for each service, not just the price. A cheap plan with a small network can cost more in the end if the hospital near home is outside the network.
How to Buy Health Insurance in the UAE
Most expats get health insurance through the employer. The employer buys a group plan for all workers, and the worker pays nothing for the basic cover. A self-employed person, a freelancer, or a business owner must buy a plan direct from an insurer, through a broker, or online. Compare at least two plans before you buy, and check the hospital network, the annual limit, and the co-payment for each service.
The steps below show how to buy health insurance in the UAE. Start with the employer if you work for a company, and ask for the policy card and the list of hospitals in the network. If you buy a plan on your own, keep the policy card and the policy number in a safe place, and renew the plan before it ends so cover does not stop.
- Ask the employer if the company buys cover for each worker
- Check the policy card and the list of hospitals in the network
- Compare plans from at least two insurers or brokers
- Choose a plan that fits the age, health, and family size of each person
- Give the insurer the Emirates ID, passport, and residence visa
- Pay the premium and keep the policy card and policy number
- Emirates ID
- Passport
- Residence visa
- Salary certificate for a group plan
Keep the Emirates ID valid, because the insurer and the visa office need it to issue and renew a policy. The Emirates ID renewal guide explains how to renew the card online. Renew the health plan before it ends, and keep a copy of the policy card on the phone so it is ready at any hospital.
Employer Cover, Family Cover and Dependents
The employer must pay for the health insurance of each worker, and the employer cannot give cash in place of cover. The law makes the employer buy a policy for each worker, and the worker pays nothing for the basic cover. A company that gives cash instead of cover breaks the law, and the worker can raise the matter with MOHRE.
The worker sponsors each dependent, such as a spouse and children, and the worker must pay for the health insurance of each dependent. The cover of a dependent must be renewed each year with the visa, and the sponsor must show proof of cover for each dependent. A family that buys an enhanced family plan gets wider cover for all members in one policy, and the family pays the extra cost.
A domestic worker, such as a maid, a driver, and a nanny, must also hold health insurance. The sponsor pays for the cover of each domestic worker, and the MOHRE basic scheme costs AED 320 a year. In Abu Dhabi, Daman runs a basic plan for domestic workers, and the sponsor must buy the plan before the visa is issued or renewed.
Where to Get Care: Hospitals and Clinics in the UAE
The UAE has many large hospitals and clinics, and the plan network decides where the patient can go. A basic plan covers a basic network of hospitals and clinics, and an enhanced plan covers a wider network. Check the list of hospitals in the network before you buy a plan, and choose a plan that covers a hospital near home.
A patient who needs emergency care can go to the nearest hospital, and the insurer covers the emergency treatment. A patient who needs planned treatment should go to a hospital in the network, and the patient should ask for pre-approval first. The list below shows some of the large hospitals in the UAE.
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi
- Al Noor Hospital in Abu Dhabi
- American Hospital Dubai
- Mediclinic and NMC hospitals across the UAE
Ask the insurer for the full list of hospitals in the network before you buy. A hospital outside the network can cost more, and the insurer may pay only part of the bill. Keep the policy card ready, and show it at the hospital reception so the hospital can bill the insurer direct.
How to Claim Health Insurance in the UAE
A claim starts at the hospital. Show the policy card at the reception, and the hospital checks the cover with the insurer. If the hospital is in the network, the hospital bills the insurer direct, and the patient pays only the co-payment or deductible. If the hospital is outside the network, the patient pays the full bill first and claims a refund from the insurer.
The steps below show how to claim health insurance in the UAE. Keep every invoice, receipt, and medical report, because the insurer needs these documents to pay a refund. Send the claim form and the documents to the insurer within the time limit in the policy, and keep a copy of each document.
- Show the policy card at the hospital reception
- Ask the hospital if pre-approval is needed for the treatment
- Pay only the co-payment or deductible in the network
- Keep the invoice, receipt, and medical report
- Send the claim form to the insurer for a refund outside the network
Ask for pre-approval before planned surgery, a long hospital stay, or an expensive scan. The insurer can refuse to pay if the patient skips pre-approval for planned treatment. Emergency treatment needs no pre-approval and, the patient should go to the nearest hospital at once.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Waiting Periods
A pre-existing condition is a health problem that the person had before the policy started, such as diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition. The insurer asks about past illness when the person buys a plan, and the person must tell the truth. A lie about past illness can lead to a denied claim, a cancelled policy, or a refusal to pay a hospital bill.
Most plans cover a pre-existing condition after a waiting period. The waiting period is usually 6 months, and some individual plans set a waiting period of 12 months. A group plan from the employer often covers a pre-existing condition from day one, with no waiting period. Ask the insurer about the waiting period before you buy, and keep a copy of the policy terms.
- Tell the truth about past illness and treatment
- A lie can lead to a denied claim or a cancelled policy
- Group plans often cover pre-existing conditions from day one
- Individual plans often set a waiting period of 6 to 12 months
- Ask for a Certificate of Continuance when you change insurers
A Certificate of Continuance, known as a CoC, proves that the person held cover without a gap. The old insurer gives the certificate, and the new insurer uses it to skip a new waiting period. Keep the certificate safe, and give it to the new insurer when you switch plans.
Fines for No Health Insurance in the UAE
A person without health insurance in Dubai pays a fine of AED 500 per month. The fine applies to each uninsured person, and it grows each month without cover. The sponsor pays the fine for a dependent without cover, and the employer pays the fine for a worker without cover.
A company that breaks the health insurance law can face a fine of up to AED 150,000. A repeat offender can face a fine of up to AED 500,000. The table below shows the fines for no health insurance in the UAE.
| Who pays | Fine |
|---|---|
| Person without cover in Dubai | AED 500 per month |
| Sponsor without cover for a dependent | AED 500 per month per dependent |
| Employer without cover for a worker | AED 500 per month per worker |
| Company that breaks the law | Up to AED 150,000 |
| Repeat offender | Up to AED 500,000 |
A visa cannot be issued or renewed without health insurance, so the fine is not the only cost. The cheapest legal plans are the MOHRE basic scheme at AED 320 a year or the Dubai Essential Benefits Plan at AED 650 a year. Buy cover at once and do not wait for the fine to grow.
Tips to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan
Use the tips below to choose a plan that fits your needs. A good plan covers the hospitals near home, sets a fair annual limit, and charges a co-payment you can pay. Compare at least two plans before you buy, and read the policy terms before you sign.
- Compare plans from at least two insurers or brokers
- Check that the hospital network covers a hospital near home
- Check the annual limit and the cover for inpatient and outpatient care
- Check the co-payment and deductible for each service
- Match the plan to the age, health, and family size of each person
- Check the rules for pre-existing conditions and the waiting period
- Renew the plan before it ends so cover does not stop
A cheap plan can cost more in the end if the hospital near home is outside the network. A plan with a high annual limit and a wide network costs more each year, and it gives peace of mind. Choose the plan that fits the needs of each person, and keep a copy of the policy card and the policy number.
Conclusion
Health insurance in the UAE for expats is the law, and it is the cover that protects a family from high hospital bills. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE each run their own scheme, and the employer must insure each worker while the sponsor must insure each dependent. A basic plan meets the law at a low cost, and an enhanced plan gives wider cover for a higher price.
Buy cover at once, compare at least two plans, and renew the plan before it ends. Check the hospital network, the annual limit, and the co-payment for each service, and keep the policy card ready at every hospital visit. The right plan gives peace of mind, and it keeps the family safe from the fine and the hospital bill.
FAQ
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for every expat who lives in the UAE. The employer must insure each worker, and the sponsor must insure each dependent. A visa cannot be issued or renewed without health insurance.
A basic plan for one person costs about AED 500 to AED 1,500 a year. The MOHRE basic scheme costs AED 320 a year, and the Dubai Essential Benefits Plan costs about AED 650 to AED 805 a year. A mid-range plan costs about AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 a year, and a comprehensive plan for a family of four costs from about AED 18,000 a year.
A basic plan covers inpatient care, outpatient care, emergency care, and maternity care at a basic level. The plan sets an annual limit and a network of hospitals and clinics, and the patient pays a co-payment for some services. Dental and optical care are often not covered by a basic plan.
Most plans cover a pre-existing condition after a waiting period. The waiting period is usually 6 months, and some individual plans set a waiting period of 12 months. A group plan from the employer often covers a pre-existing condition from day one. The person must tell the truth about past illness when the plan is bought.
Show the policy card at the hospital reception. If the hospital is in the network, the hospital bills the insurer direct, and the patient pays only the co-payment or deductible. If the hospital is outside the network, the patient pays the full bill first, keeps the invoice, receipt, and medical report, and sends a claim form to the insurer for a refund.
A person without health insurance in Dubai pays a fine of AED 500 per month, and the fine grows each month without cover. A visa cannot be issued or renewed without health insurance. A company that breaks the law can face a fine of up to AED 150,000, and a repeat offender can face a fine of up to AED 500,000.
